Jony Ive is LEAVING Apple: Firm announces its chief design officer is departing to start his own company – and his former employer will be the first client

In a statement Apple said that Ive will continue to work with the company

By Cheyenne Macdonald For Dailymail.com

Published: 22:06 BST, 27 June 2019 | Updated: 22:16 BST, 27 June 2019

Apple’s chief design officer Jony Ive is breaking out on his own after nearly 30 years at the company.

On Thursday, Ive announced a plan to start his own design company called LoveFrom.

And, it will count Apple among its first clients.

Apple says Ive will continue to work closely with the firm on ‘a range of projects’ as he takes on his own ventures, and will remain in his current role until he departs later this year.

Apple’s chief design officer Jony Ive (left, next to CEO Tim Cook) is breaking out on his own after nearly 30 years at the company

‘After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer,’ Ive said.

‘Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple’s history,’ said Ive.

‘The team will certainly thrive under the excellent leadership of Evans, Alan and Jeff, who have been among my closest collaborators. I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.’